Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Product Information

New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening). Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges) Topiary expert Lerigo devoutly describes his chosen make of Japanese secateurs, Okatsune, as a bit of kit that Marie Kondo would approve of: simple, effective, and capable of sparking joy, time and time again. The Hitachi Yasugi high carbon steel of these Okatsune secateurs stands out, producing a clean, precise, efficient cut. Apparently, they’re made with “Izumo” iron sand, which was used in the manufacturing of ancient Japanese swords. According to topiary expert Darren Lerigo, most gardeners will find bypass secateurs to be the better bet, because they make for a cleaner cut. How do I care for the blades of my secateurs? The cutting performance is excellent and it always gives a nice clean, straight cut. The blades are made to last and can handle being sharpened dozens of times. Spare parts that are worn outare widely available and theparts are veryeasy to change and replace if needed. This is one of the main advantages they have over other models because many do not have changeable parts.

Another feature that we think is quite impressive is the rotating handle which revolves on its own axis, your fingers will be able to move naturally, thus minimising blisters and hand fatigue that may be a problem after extended pruning periods, and anyone who works pruning plants a lot will understand what we mean. Felco says their innovative swivel action requires 30% less effort than conventional secateurs and we tend to agree, overall it provides great comfort on continuous pruning work. Overall, the quality of the Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs is second to none. Perhaps the only negative is that they may not be the best choice for larger hands and in this case, the 104 Model may be a better choice. The shears are constructed from a few components, so that there is hardly any maintenance required. It is recommended to clean the blades after use. After cleaning it is recommended to oil the shears, and store moisture free with the cutting blades closed. If you notice that the shears are cutting less well, you can grind them using the Okatsune whetstone. Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused We really like the lifetime warranty on this product because it means total peace of mind and, even so, parts are readily replaceable if necessary which is more than you can say for most other models. You definitely want a tool that won’t cause hand blisters and ligament strain, and this one is ergonomically designed to use comfortably all day long making it perfect for professionals who really do need nothing but the best tools.

You will also benefit from precise cutting no matter the plants or foliage you’ll be trimming. The SK5 carbon steel blades are sure to offer long-term service without losing their cutting edge, whilst the finger protection guard will ensure there are no accidental injuries. The ratchet system makes pruning branches much easier and they make pruning branches possible for gardeners who thought they would no longer be able to prune branches and have previously struggled with regular secateurs. These are, without a doubt, the best ratchet secateurs we have ever had the chance to review. We have tried quite a few ratchet secateurs in previous years and we can confirm we have never come across a better pair of secateurs with the ratchet feature.

The Okatsune 103 is the most popular pruner in the range. With its length of 202mm this model is 20mm larger than model 101, and 8mm smaller than model 104. The blades of this razor-sharp pruner are forged from the finest Japanese steel and enable you to effortlessly cut through branches up to 25mm. Designed with a slightly longer handle for gardeners with a medium/large hand. The Okatsune secateurs 103 are the most popular pruner in the range, with its length of 202 mm. The blades of this razor-sharp pruner are forged from the finest Japanese steel and enable you to effortlessly cut through branches up to 25 mm. Designed with a slightly longer handle for gardeners with a medium/large hand. A question asked frequently is what is the difference between anvil and bypass secateurs. The difference between these garden tools, bypass pruners and anvil versions is as follows. Known to Hobson affectionately as his “double yellows”, the bright yellow Niwaki GR Pro secateurs are made with KA70 carbon steel, they’re a 23cm long pair of whoppers, weighing 239g.Mechanism: bypass (see FAQ at the bottom of this feature for the difference between bypass and anvil secateurs) My advise is to buy branded secateurs from a reputable, well known manufacturer in its field. I have mentioned the leading brands above. Oil sponge: It’s quite rare, but some pruners feature an integrated oil sponge which you can use to clean and lubricate the blades after use. Shopping for pruners can get overwhelming, but really all you need are clippers that cut cleanly without hurting your hands. Blade: High-quality, sharp blades will create more precise results. Blades are normally made of steel, some stronger and more robust than others.

Bypass secateurs are for cutting living, green growth, for example live stems, branches and plant material . Anvil secateurs are used for cutting tough, old, dead wood. The Okatsune 103 are the most popular secateurs in the range. With its length of 200 mm this model is 20 mm larger than model 101, and 10 mm smaller than model 104. The blades of these razor-sharp secateurs are forged from the finest Japanese steel (the same steel from which the Katana sword of the Samurai are made), and enable you to effortlessly cut through branches up to 25 mm, of such as shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and creepers. They really are the last pair of secateurs you should ever need to buy and with a lifetime warranty, they certainly offer value as well as quality when taking everything into consideration. Okatsune secateurs were once described as ‘Life-Changing’ by Bunny Guinness at The Telegraph and we couldn’t agree more. They are available in different versions and are the only secateurs we think truly compare to Felco’s quality and cutting performance. Okatsune models include model 101, model 104, model 108 and model 109, but it is the Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs that really caught our attention.Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.